OpenAI API Development
Build production AI applications using the OpenAI API. Chat completions, structured outputs, function calling, streaming, error handling, and real AI features.
What you'll learn
OpenAI API Development is organized into 8 focused modules. By the end you'll be comfortable with:
- API Fundamentals
- Chat Completions
- Structured Outputs
- Function Calling
- Streaming Responses
- Error Handling
- Building AI Features
- Final Project
Course curriculum
21 lessons across 8 modules. Lessons marked Free preview are readable without an account.
Module 1. API Fundamentals
Set up your development environment and make your first AI API call
- 8mAPI Keys and AuthenticationFree preview
Get your API key, understand authentication, and learn how to keep keys secure.
- 8mEnvironment Variables in PythonFree preview
Use python-dotenv and os.environ to manage API keys and configuration securely.
- 12mYour First API Request
Install the OpenAI SDK and make your first chat completion request in Python.
Module 2. Chat Completions
Master the core API for sending prompts and handling model responses
- 10mThe Messages Format
Master the role-based message format used for single-turn and multi-turn conversations.
- 10mResponse Structure
Navigate the full API response object and extract exactly what you need.
- 10mModel Parameters
Control model behavior with temperature, max_tokens, and other key parameters.
Module 3. Structured Outputs
Get reliable, validated JSON from AI models for production applications
- 10mGetting JSON from AI
Learn the different ways to request structured JSON output from AI models.
- 10mPydantic Validation
Use Pydantic models to validate and type-check AI-generated JSON before using it in your application.
- 12mStructured Outputs API
Use OpenAI's Structured Outputs feature to guarantee exact JSON schema adherence.
Module 4. Function Calling
Give AI models the ability to call external functions and take real-world actions
- 10mTool Calling Concepts
Understand how function calling lets AI models interact with external systems.
- 10mDefining Tools
Write tool definitions that tell the model what functions are available and how to use them.
- 15mHandling Tool Calls
Implement the complete tool calling loop: detect tool requests, execute functions, and return results.
Module 5. Streaming Responses
Implement real-time token streaming for a faster, more engaging user experience
- 8mWhy Stream?
Understand the user experience and performance benefits of streaming AI responses.
- 12mImplementing Streaming
Write production-ready streaming code that handles chunks, assembles content, and tracks usage.
Module 6. Error Handling
Build resilient AI integrations that handle failures gracefully in production
- 10mCommon API Errors
Recognize and respond to the most common errors from AI API calls.
- 12mRetries with Exponential Backoff
Implement robust retry logic that handles transient API failures without hammering the server.
- 12mFallback Strategies
Design resilient AI systems with fallback models, graceful degradation, and circuit breakers.
Module 7. Building AI Features
Apply everything to build production-ready chatbots, generators, and classifiers
- 15mBuilding a Chatbot
Implement a production-ready chatbot with conversation history, session management, and persona.
- 12mContent Generation
Build reliable content generation pipelines with structured outputs, batching, and semantic caching.
- 12mClassification Workflows
Build reliable AI classifiers using structured outputs and confidence scoring.
Module 8. Final Project
Build a complete AI-powered application using real API workflows
- 30mProject: AI-Powered Application
Build a complete AI-powered application using the full OpenAI API stack from this course.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the OpenAI API Development course free?
- You can preview lessons for free with no account. Full access to this Pro course is included with a Kodion Pro subscription.
- Do I need prior programming experience?
- This is a intermediate course, so you'll get the most from it if you're already comfortable with the basics of programming.
- How long does OpenAI API Development take to complete?
- It's 21 lessons across 8 modules, roughly 4 hours of hands-on learning. You can go entirely at your own pace.
- What will I learn?
- You'll work through API Fundamentals, Chat Completions, Structured Outputs, and more, building real, applied skills through interactive lessons and coding challenges.
- Can I get help if I'm stuck?
- Yes. Kodion's built-in AI tutor gives instant, context-aware hints and explanations right inside each lesson as you code.
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